I didn't see it live, but I'm so impressed with Elon Musk's project. He is a billionaire and spends his money doing things that NASA is too restricted to do (they would do it all if they could). The most unbelievable thing was when the two rocket boosters landed right back on the launch paid, so they can be used again. That was out of control awesome and something I never thought could happen. Don't get me wrong. NASA has given me some of the best memories of my life, and I'll never forget them. They are the path finders, the geniuses, the heart and soul of our past space program. But the independent companies that are making huge strides without tax payer dollars are blowing me away. They do it for the sake of science and curiosity and the shear will of wanting to know what's out there. I salute both of them - NASA and SPACEX and who ever else out there is brave enough to traverse the solar system. Well Done!!
I feel like NASA is soon to be obsolete. spacex falcon heavy project was 90mil to launch compared to almost 500k for a shuttle.
Oh, you bet. Wouldn't miss it for anything. We may one day be able to see how much of a crater a red roadster can make, either here or on Mars. A flawless launch and recovery of the booster cores. Too bad about the center core, but I'd say 100% nonetheless. At least it came down, and I'd say with the engine problems that a 100 meters is pretty damned close and the speed was too great, but still one good shot.
I watched it delayed on Youtube. I agree the landing was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen, they made it look easy, and I know it wasn't. I love the Spaceman in the roadster.
I watched it live as I do all of Spacex launches. I am a supporter of science in general and the space projects in particular. I would never believe that Spacex or most any private, corporation, does not get plenty of government and taxpayer funding. That is what corporate welfare is all about. (IMHO)
[latimes.com]